The nest is just outside our bedroom window in a juniper tree.
Mourning Doves
Day 3
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8 am
This is the second time this pair of doves have nested here. Last year a squirrel invaded the nest a few days after the chicks were born.
According to research, the male sits on the nest during the day and the female at nite.
Day 8 pm
Day 9
Day 10
Feeding time
Doves & pidgeons produce "pidgeon milk" (not really milk) by glands in the crop of the neck. Nestlings stick their beaks into the adult mouth and feed on the food.
Day 11 Squirrel attack!!
As I was taking photos this afternoon, a squirrel tried to get to the nest. The adult was successful in pecking it away and all I could see were feathers spread and the squirrel running off.
Jeff put up a barrier that will hopefully keep the squirrel from easy access to the chicks. Time will tell.
Spotted a big squirrel running along the fence towards the nest this afternoon and scared it off. Very worried!
The chicks should be be leaving the nest in the next day or so.
Day 12
Caught Mom & Dad watching the nest. They seem to be leaving more often, probably off finding more food for the growing chicks. Haven't seen any squirrels around :-)
Day 13
The chicks are on their own most of the nite/day now and beginning to move around and spread their wings.
Day 14
Chicks were moving around and stretching their wings but no attempts at flight. Maybe tomorrow. Adults can be seen occasionally, but only come to the nest for feeding.
Haven't seen any squirrels today :-)
Just as I was about to leave for the morning, I noticed the nest was empty. I was fortunate to see the fledglings just as they were getting ready to begin their journey into the world. It was a wonderful sight and gratifying to know they made it this far.
Day 15 (4/26) We have lift off!!!
A meal before the big day begins...
I had to leave before the family flew off. It will be interesting to see if they return to the area.
Last minute instructions??
fledglings on the awning above the nest.
This is the barrier we created to keep the squirrel from jumping from the fence to the juniper tree.
It's the screen from our window held up by a pvc pole and clipped to a piece of wood attached to the fence. It wasn't quite low enough so our old agility boards are blocking access below it. Not pretty but it worked!!
One of the fledglings was spotted this afternoon on our neighbors roof near the nest.
